For the past week or so there has been a flood of short notes relating to distressed cemeteries. As yet I have not seen any meaningful postings except the "Warm Fuzzy" type. Has any one considered that there are organizations out there that can give some guidance? For example: http://www.gravestonestudies.org, "The Association for Gravestone Studies was founded in 1977 for the purpose of furthering the study and preservation of gravestones. AGS is an international organization with an interest in gravemarkers of all periods and styles. Through its publications, conferences, workshops and exhibits, AGS promotes the study of gravestones from historical and artistic perspectives, expands public awareness of the significance of historic gravemarkers, and encourages individuals and groups to record and preserve gravestones. At every opportunity, AGS cooperates with groups that have similar interests. "More Information and FAQ sections are provided for the newcomer to gravestone studies. This section offers answers to basic questions about gravesmarkers, such as, "Gravestone Rubbing Do's and Don'ts", "Tools and Materials for Gravestone Cleaning Projects", and "Symbolism on Gravemarkers "Various other AGS publications describe methodologies and techniques for recording cemetery data, restoring cemeteries and gravestones, photographing and rubbing gravestones, the use of graveyards as a teaching resource, and preparing legislation to protect gravestones from vandalism, theft, and demolition. Two books available through this organization are: "Organizing Volunteers for Preservation Projects" Although this book was written with historic buildings in mind, it identifies all the essential planning stages relative to a preservation project. From preliminary evaluation to final celebrations, it covers planning, public relations and developing a preservation plan. In essence, it provides a framework for project organization and offers the reader "can-do" inspiration for what can often be a formidable task. Special attention is given to fundraising and developing a project statement. Softbound; 45 pages. 2. A Graveyard Preservation Primer by Lynette Strangstad Written for non-professional and professional preservationists involved in small to mid-size graveyard preservation projects, this basic primer explains in step-by-step fashion how to preserve and restore a graveyard. Restoration is discussed with recommendations as to what lay people should and should not undertake. Softbound; 144 pages, index, illustrations. There are organizations in every state who can provide information on cemeteries relative to where are they, what can be done about the conditions. Here in St. Louis, within the past 5 years or so we have seen two cemeteries taken over one by the Secretary of State and the other by the City of St. Louis. These two cemeteries were a total disaster. There still is approximately half of a cemetery still here that is a mess, but on the mend, the other half has been removed, i.e. the bodies were relocated due to airport expansion. Prior to that happening it too was in the news. St. Louis is not unique in this area, they are all over the country. Even in Hollywood where the movie stars are buried there are cemeteries that need care. New York City has some real disasters. Now on this list someone mentioned what appeared to be an abandoned cemetery and the cry went out. The volunteers came in with "Warm Fuzzy's" believe there were some 25 listings from 50 states, some wishing they could be here to help. I wonder, have they looked at the cemeteries in their own communities? How about where their family members are buried? When was the last time you checked to see if the Perpetual Care was paid on your ancestors plot/grave? Cemeteries go into disrepair when these funds are exhausted. Someone mentioned that they had repaired some tombstones, nice idea. But, did they cause more damage by not doing it correctly? Time will tell. Even if this was done correctly what will happen to this same cemetery 5, 10 or 15 years from now? What provisions have been made so this effort isn't wasted? Bill Some Data on cemeteries and funeral homes <http://genealogyinstlouis.accessgenealogy.com/buchholz.htm> Surnames of Interest: BUCHHOLZ anywhere -BECKMANN-CASSIDY-DeL0NJAY-DREES-NENTWIG-NEUTZLER-PONCOT-RENSING-STAUDER- STIEFFERMANN

Thank you for this valuable URL and your points are well taken, Bill. I'll contact Association for Gravestone Studies ASAP and purchase those two books. Thanks! :) You post happend to hit my inbox at the moment I was on the phone to the University of Missouri to talk to someone in Archaeology and/or Anthropology Departments to get information about graveyard preservation and restoration, specifically headstone repair/replacement techniques. Someone should probably wrote to the State Hsiotircal Society to see what resources they may ahve at hand as well. I know where all of my mother's people are buried in Missouri, Virginia, Kentucky, Maryland and England primarily because I was fortunate enough to have a mother who believed that this was an important piece of family history as well as an important duty owed the ancestors. We are lucky enough that our people are buried in graveyards that do have perpetual care, and in two cases, it was my mother who made sure that the out-of-state graveyards were set up in trusts that ensured their care. We have only once ancestor left un-located, and I believe I have just found him by way of a similar list in Texas. My husband and his people keep their graveyards in Arkansas as well. In a way, I feel almost guilty because I am lucker that many others in this respect. There is a grace and beauty to old graveyards, and the ones that have become abandoned and neglected are even more imporant to me precisely because they are in need of TLC. Kathleen